With his leukemia in remission and three grueling rounds of chemotherapy complete, Pagano was back where he belonged Monday—coaching the Colts. Pagano had been away since being diagnosed Sept. 26. If you have a pulse, it’s hard not to be moved by Pagano’s courageous battle, and the remarkable season of the playoff-bound Colts.

Chuck Pagano's return is the inspirational story of the year in the NFL, but the Colts need more than a figurehead coach—they need Pagano's defensive expertise. (AP Photo)

With Pagano cleared by doctors to back in the head coach’s office, expect him to focus on the Colts’ defense, where his expertise is most needed. Here’s one of the oddities of the Colts’ storybook season. They're 10-5, yet they have surrendered more points (371) than they have scored (329). Go figure.

The Colts have given up more points than any AFC playoff team. The Chiefs gashed the Colts on Sunday for an unfathomable 352 yards rushing. Chiefs running back Jamal Charles had 165 yards rushing—in just the third quarter. Somehow, Indianapolis won, 20-13. But the Colts’ defensive line has been shredded by injuries, and if things don’t improve quickly, the Colts could be ripe for a first-round whipping.

That’s where Pagano comes in. The former Ravens’ defensive coordinator knows defense. Clearly, he knows how to face a challenge and he has another one to embrace—trying to straighten out the Colts’ defense before the playoffs.

Bruce Arians has been the best interim coach in history, leading the Colts to a 9-3 record, capped by Sunday’s victory over the Chiefs that clinched a playoff spot. The Colts' offense is clearly in good shape with Arians as coordinator, Andrew Luck at quarterback and consummate pro Reggie Wayne at wide receiver. That’s a unit that can strike fear into any playoff opponent.

However, the Colts’ defense looks vulnerable. In their only two games vs. AFC teams that made the playoffs, the Colts gave up 59 points to the Patriots and 29 points to the Texans. Both were Colts’ losses.

There have been numerous conversations between Pagano and Arians during the head coach’s absence. But now Pagano can take a hands-on approach. He can attend meetings. He can address the team. He can look players in the eye. He can attend practices.

It’s hard to measure the inspirational lift Pagano will provide Sunday when the Colts host the Texans. The Colts haven’t just missed Pagano. They need him. And everyone is glad he’s back.